About
Students, faculty and staff at HCPSS have the opportunity to continue good recycling habits in the cafeteria and classrooms. Like County curbside collection, recyclables are processed at Waste Management Recycle America in Elkridge, MD.
Recycling
HCPSS offers single stream recycling in the cafeteria and classrooms. Just like at home, items should be clean, empty and dry before recycling. It's important that only recyclable items are placed in the blue bin.
Paper
| milk cartons/juice boxes | newspapers & inserts | magazines |
| cardboard & paperboard | office paper & envelopes | folders |
| paper bags | shredded paper (must be in paper bag) | books |
Metal
| aluminum cans | steel cans | aerosol cans (empty) |
Glass
| glass bottles | glass jars |
Plastic
| applesauce cups | yogurt cups | margarine/butter tubs |
| reusable containers | peanut butter jars | lunchables |
| water bottle | soda bottle | frozen dessert cup |
Paper
| laminated paper | food-stained paper | lunch trays |
| paper towels/napkins | tissues | binders |
Metal
| scrap metal | binders | wires & cables |
Glass
| window glass | mirrors | ceramics |
Plastic
| styrofoam | plastic bags | plastic film |
| chip bags | candy wrappers | yogurt/applesauce lids |
| utensils | straws | food/drink pouches |
Food Scraps
Our Feed the Green Bin food scrap collection program is available in eligible HCPSS schools. Currently, 7 schools are participating in the program. Food scraps, napkins and compostable trays are sorted and sent to our Composting Facility at Alpha Ridge Landfill.
Schools that wish to participate can complete our online interest form. Although this does not guarantee participation, the collected data will be used when planning future expansions.
Food Scraps:
| banana peels | apple cores | bread crusts |
| leftover food | cheese | yogurt |
| candy | egg shells | coffee grounds |
Compostable Items:
| paper lunch trays | napkins/paper towels |
| coffee filters | tea bags |
| pizza boxes | popsicle sticks |
| liquids | recyclables |
| tissues | Styrofoam |
| waxed paper | waxed cardboard |
Contests
Contests are a great way for students of all ages to become more engaged in recycling initiatives and environmental sustainability. Check out of list below for contest information and past winners.
Open to Howard County third, fourth and fifth graders, contestants must draw pictures of how they reduce, reuse and recycle at home or at school. The top 13 drawings will be featured in a coloring book, with the “best in show” appearing on the cover.
Next contest: TBA
In celebration of America Recycles Day (November 15), Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) holds an annual recycled sculpture contest. This contest is open to all high school students in Maryland. Sculptures must be made from recyclable or reused material. Judges will select an overall winning sculpture along with individual recognition for creativity, workmanship and use of materials.
Next Contest: TBA
Fun & Games
NEW! Virtual presentations can be scheduled Monday-Friday.
Schedule a recycling presentation. A Recycling Coordinator will discuss the ins and outs of recycling, as well as provide an inside look at what happens to all those things we recycle. We offer assembly style presentations, grade-by-grade presentations or short 5-minute cafeteria presentations to get the students thinking about what they have in their lunches that can be recycled everyday.
Complete a presentation request form below.
A Recycling Coordinator will guide your group and discuss what is collected and what happens to all those items. Many things are reused or recycled, but trash is collected too. The group may also tour the Composting Facility (see below). This tour is great for scout groups trying to earn badges/patches. Did you know most of Howard County's trash is exported to a landfill in VA? Tours are typically scheduled Monday-Friday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Contact our office to schedule.
Can't make the guided tour? Take a virtual tour from your couch!
NEW! See Alpha Ridge Landfill from a bird's-eye view!
Check out our drone video of Alpha Ridge Landfill and learn all our our Transfer Station and Composting Facility.
Howard County has constructed a state of the art facility to produce quality compost. Contact Jeff Dannis to find out about upcoming tour dates.